(NewsUSA) - If you're like most Americans, you
probably view benefits open enrollment as somewhat of a chore. After all, 67 percent of employees
describe shopping for benefits as complicated, long or stressful according to the 2017 Aflac
WorkForces Report.

For many, that might be true. But why not look at choosing benefits as
something more positive? Consider it a labor of love: a necessary process that helps shelter you
and your family from financial concerns in the event of a medical event or emergency.

As
open-enrollment season hits full swing, think about the effect a serious healthcare issue - whether
the result of an accident or an illness - would have on your family. Major medical insurance is the
foundation of a solid benefits plan, but it doesn't stretch to cover copayments, deductibles or the
bills that continue to roll in when a breadwinner is too sick or injured to work.

That is
where voluntary insurance benefits come into play. From accident to disability insurance, voluntary
options help pay bills major medical insurance was never intended to cover. That is critically
important in today's world, given that 65 percent of employees who participated in Aflac's survey
reported having less than $1,000 on hand to pay out-of-pocket expenses associated with unexpected
serious illnesses or accidents, while 39 percent have less than $500.

Tough financial
realities may explain why the demand for voluntary insurance coverage is rising among American
workers: Overall, 81 percent of 2017 Aflac WorkForces Report participants say they see a growing
need for voluntary insurance benefits, and 90 percent at least somewhat consider voluntary
insurance part of a comprehensive benefits program. In fact, access to voluntary options is a key
factor in workplace contentment, with the survey revealing that it is closely tied to satisfaction,
productivity, retention and recruitment.

The bottom line is that voluntary insurance is a
key part of a well-rounded approach to staying ahead of rising healthcare costs that can add up
quickly after an illness or injury. Benefits are paid directly to you, the policyholder, unless
otherwise assigned. That means you choose how to use your benefits. Whether you use your benefits
to help pay everyday bills, to help cover transportation to receive medical care, to help defray
the costs of copayments and deductibles, or to help address any other urgent need, with voluntary
insurance, the choice is yours.

To learn more about choosing the right healthcare benefits
for you and your family, visit Aflac.com.